As I passed the first doors, there was a promise of a breathtaking view unfolding before me, a tantalizing glimpse of the sea. The moment I saw the second door , it absolutely fulfilled that promise, revealing a stunning view, and Juliet balcony that felt almost like a scene from a romantic film. The incredible panorama opened up before my eyes, showcasing the magnificent bay in Ravello, Italy, with its shimmering blue waters reflecting the radiant sunlight. I stood there, captivated by the vibrant colors of the lush gardens that spilled down the cliffs, blending harmoniously with the sky.
Shadow and light under the arches create a dynamic interplay of contrast that captivates. The designs of the arches, with their elegant curves, invite a dance of illumination as sunlight filters through, casting delicate patterns.
My idea revolves around Leonard Cohen’s saying, “Everything has a crack, that’s how the light gets in.” which encourages reflection on life’s imperfections. These cracks signify struggles but also hope and the potential for healing, reminding us that embracing our flaws can lead to a more fulfilling life. This concept also applies to images, where imperfections reveal true beauty and emotion.
Overall, these lyrics reflect Cohen’s characteristic blend of melancholy and optimism, emphasizing that beauty and wisdom often arise from our struggles and imperfections.
Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, in everything That’s how the light gets in
My challenge this time is this part of the poem; Everything has a crack, that’s how the light gets in. There is deep symbolism in this sentence that can be interpreted in many ways. Figurative or metaphorical interpretation requires us to think deeply.
As I looked again at this post, after first draft, I noticed how I often use and have hands in photos with emotion.
Imperfection and Vulnerability: The “crack” represents the flaws and brokenness that are part of life; everyone has imperfections.
Hope and Redemption: The phrase “that’s how the light gets in” suggests that through our flaws and vulnerabilities, we can find hope, healing, and understanding.
Spiritual Insight: Spiritually, the light symbolizes truth, love, and peace. The cracks show that even in our toughest times, there is still a chance for positivity and light to come into our lives.
Figurative language can be exactly what the sentence contains, hoping to convey the profound concepts of hope, light, and life emanating from a small crack in darkness. This imagery evokes a sense of resilience and beauty, illustrating how even the faintest glimmer can inspire hope and ignite a passion for life. A comprehensive visual project can be built around this captivating idea, as it often is, exploring various artistic mediums , to depict the interplay between shadow and light, ultimately capturing the essence of optimism that arises from seemingly insignificant openings in our world.
Light filters in to a dark room
I would like participants to take a new photo or find a photo in their archives that would express that sentiment.
Your creative take can be completely different from what others envision, as this endeavor is open to many interpretations and methods of expression. These images should reflect your unique perspectives and personal narratives, fostering community connections through shared stories of vulnerability and resilience.
By sharing these images, we not only showcase our individual stories, but also create an opportunity for dialogue and connection. Let each image tell a story, convey an emotion, or illustrate a moment of seeing light.
Thank you Anne, for sending us on an artistic approach to photography with ICM, it was fun to do and fun to see what we were able go with this style. Next week Egídio leads us to something new again, please visit his inspirational blog to see more.
Today as I was sitting in the office lobby, I noticed doors and skylight window. So, Thank you Dan for hosting Thursday Doors. Now I have a place where to post these random shots.
One Image 4 Ways – I saw this topic in one of Leanne’s posts and I love editing, as it allows for endless creativity and expression. For this particular challenge, I thought I would do more than just a few little tweaks to the image, aiming to truly explore the depth and versatility of a single photograph. But hey, I got carried away, so I ended up creating more than five variations, even though I ultimately decided to just post five . (click to enlarge images)
The original photo
Each edit showcases a different approach, demonstrating how even minor adjustments can dramatically alter the mood and impact of the original image.
A version with changes sky and darker tone, and one with limited color palette and more intense sky.
It is incredibly fun to see what you can do with an image, and I hope my interpretations inspire others to experiment with their own photographs in creative ways.
Breath of the season, chill in the air, Winter’s fingers almost there, A forest still, calm and profound, In November’s grasp, so tightly bound.In tranquil beauty, time halts its flow. A moment’s peace, an endless roam, In this November forest, I find home.
ICM photography is super cool! It takes us beyond what we see every day and shows a whole new world that often gets missed in regular photos. These are all new photos from the past week, I have tried this before, but I have been a stickler for sharp and focused shots, so I haven’t really experienced it other than accidentally – mostly. These are my results and I am happy with few of them.
Into the woods I go, sideway movement
So, ICM, is all about using a slow shutter speed while moving your camera around on purpose. Instead of capturing everything in a crisp, clear way, this technique lets things blur and create a dreamy vibe. Shapes and colors blend together, making for some really interesting images.
Path many times photographed, this time with a twist.
These shots capture the feel of a scene instead of just what it looks like. The crazy mix of colors and shapes can stir up emotions and thoughts in a way that regular photography just can’t. You can play around with it too—I did some swirling, vertical panning, and horizontal shifts to really make the most out of ICM. But this is a style like every other that need to be practiced. I think I would achieve best results in night photography without a tripod.
walk between the trees
When you share your post, please link it to Ann’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. In the meantime have fun learning and experimenting with ICM.
waves
Last week we all had fun picking images from the past as Sofia had us looking back last week. I enjoyed seeing your wonderful memories. For sure memories are gold.
Next week is my week, and I hope you will join me in a discovery of photographs with emotions. Until then keep smiling.
Sofia asked for us to look back. Her post is ➡ Looking Back can be found there with memories and lovely photos.
I had trouble as which way to go with this challenge my first thought was to share photos of a photo album of my father, as in months time will be father’s day here in Finland.
I have looked back as I found my computer was full and I needed to make space for new photos, but instead of getting them from there I did the following.
Then I took a random photo album from the shelf and took photos with my mobile of the photos placed there. One way to scan photos and preserve those fleeting moments of the past. Here are a few memories that transport me back to a simpler time. I lived in San Diego in the early 1990s, a beautiful coastal city that captured my heart, and I have always loved the sea. We spent many days in La Jolla park by the sea, where the waves crashed gently against the shore, and the salty breeze filled the air. And I have several shots of the turquoise sea, shimmering under the bright California sun—a vivid reminder of those carefree days. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of the beach evoke nostalgia.
Also in this album are few shots of old Victorian houses in Memphis, their were supposed to be haunted houses, steeped in history and mystery. I visited these house with my sister, her son, and my mom, alongside a man who I have no reflection off; I think he was an associate of my sister’s husband who was there for business. He even attended our very small wedding, adding an unexpected touch to the day. My sister’s family, as she lived there, provided the venue, her backyard, while my mom came over from Finland, and—two Finnish businessmen I didn’t know, yet they seemed delighted to be part of such an intimate gathering. Out off all places, I would never have guessed that this is where we would get married, in Memphis.
And as we were there, the riverboats were indeed a must-see, providing a picturesque view that felt like stepping back in time. Memphis had so much richness to offer, and while we were there, visiting Graceland was a significant part of our journey. However, it’s strange to think back on it now because I have no photos to capture that moment. I have a vivid memory of stepping into Elvis’s home, and as I crossed the threshold, an overwhelming sense of distress washed over me—it was as though the walls whispered tales of sorrow. The atmosphere was oddly heavy, and the emotions were so strong that it affected me deeply as I explored the rooms, each filled with relics of a life that once thrived but seemed steeped in melancholy. For some inexplicable reason, I ended up not taking any photos, as if somehow the experience itself was meant to remain untouched and sacred, preserved only within my mind. But the feeling and the memory of it remains, a testament to the powerful connection we can have with places that hold a history far beyond our own experiences.
Sunglass fashion in 1980 – the one’s my husband’s had are back in fashion now, and it’s amusing to see how styles from that era are making a strong comeback.However, mine, which were a bit more trendy, are not so much in vogue these days. It’s interesting how fashion evolves and circles back, but sometimes, certain styles just don’t seem to resonate with the current crowd.
Marlon Brando on cruise with us ?? 😀
My parents both passed when I was in my twenties, so these are memories from way back, before my time. This album has memories from my parents youth.
Link your photos to Sofia’s post and tag Lens-Artists so we can find your post. Doing both is best as WP reader sometimes plays up a bit.
A big thank you to Ann-Christine for hosting with a wonderful Setting a Mood challenge. It’s incredible how we can create moods with our photos and how we all interpret them.
Next week Anne’s challenge will be on Intentional Camera Movement. You can learn all about it by checking out the various online tutorials or wait for instructions from Anne. Anne says it’s all about having fun and there’s no wrong way to do it!
These are old photos that I edited for the mood challenge, but did not use them, and now they are quite handy for my open doors post for Dan’s Thursday Doors. These images are from a charming square in Amalfi, Italy, a place steeped in history and beauty.
I am happy I was able capture the warm tones and the night mood, evoking a sense of calm, day transitions into night, just about closing time. In the first photo, you can see a woman with pearls closing the gates of her store.
The cafes and restaurants surrounding the square remain open, creating a lively atmosphere, yet the mood is not hurried; it is calm and serene, even amidst the gentle flow of people moving about, enjoying the last moments of the day. The soft glow of the streetlamps reflects off the cobblestones, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.
This is ruska. (n the Finnish language, this stunning phenomenon that paints northern landscapes in deep and soft tones is called ‘ruska’.
What is ruska?
Ruska comes from the Sami word “ruškat”, and close to the Finnish word ruskea which means brown. This refers to the time of the year when the spectacular natural phenomena of the autumn foliage happen, or when leaves change colors and the trees get ready for winter.
Puuruska
There are two different types of ruska; puuruska and maaruska. In Finnish language, puu means tree, therefore puuruska refers to the leaves of the trees changing to different colors. Maa means land, ground, or soil; so maaruska, when translated to English, means bushes and plants of the ground changing their colors. The maaruska is especially beautiful to see in blueberry bushes at the forest. The colors are very bright and intense, creating the perfect spot for that perfect shot, or most of the time, simply an immeasurable and breathtaking view that a photo can’t even justify.
river Salajoki
Typically, ruska starts in the north of Finland in early September and gradually moves southward. By late September to early October, the southern parts of the country, including Helsinki, will be in the full throes of this colorful season.
Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, offers some of the most stunning ruska views. The fells and vast wilderness areas, interspersed with crystal-clear lakes and rivers, provide a perfect backdrop for the red and gold leaves.
Reflections
I took these last weekend, and since then, this week the colors have intensified spectacularly. Hopefully, the rain and winds of the autumn storm pass swiftly, allowing the beauty of nature to remain mainly undisturbed. I hope for a chance to photograph the stunning fall leaves again in the coming days, capturing the fleeting beauty of the season.
Last weekend I was trying to capture the gathering of the Canadian geese that were getting ready to migrate at a nearby field, and as I was waiting for them to start flying, I took some shots of the autumn colors that painted the landscape in warm hues of orange, yellow, and crimson.
Flock of birds
The crisp air was filled with the loud sound of honking. While I eagerly anticipated the moment when the geese would take to the skies in a formation, I took in the beauty surrounding me, snapping photos of the sun filtering through the trees and illuminating the colorful foliage. Unfortunately, I was forced to leave abruptly as some farming equipment needed the whole road to maneuver, leaving me with only a few shots of the birds not even that good one, but since I took them I am also sharing them, just because 🙂
Last weekend I was so happy by a beautiful weather; the sun shone brightly, the skies were a stunning shade of blue, and the air was neither cold nor warm—comfortable is maybe the word to use, especially if you are properly dressed for the season. The best of autumn colors was not yet totally visible, but the enchanting season of changing colors was right at our doorstep, whispering promises of vibrant reds, golds, and copper hues that would soon adorn the trees. As I took in the view, I pulled out my camera and snapped some photos from a nearby gravel road, capturing the landscape where nature seemed to pause in anticipation before the full display of autumn arrived. The gentle rustling of leaves and the very recognizable noise from the gathering Canadian geese created a loud backdrop, the sound so seasonal as can be.
This is for Monochrome Madness, I did some conversions of my photos to Monochrome that I took on a rainy day by the lake in Nastola – Kumian Mylly. I usually find landscapes in color more impactful, with their vibrant hues invoking emotions and memories, but in monochrome, something different can be found within the images. The absence of color allows for a heightened focus on the textures and contrasts present, revealing more details that might otherwise go unnoticed when colors are distracting the attention. The interplay of light and shadow takes on new significance, drawing the viewer’s eye into the depths of the scene. I hope I was able to capture the essence of that rainy day in a way that stirs the imagination.
I seem to capture rain from the car or the safety of indoors mostly, but I should wonder out more often in the rain, preferably during the night and into the city to capture the unique mood and vibrant lights reflecting on the pavement. There’s something enchanting about the city at night when it’s wet, as the streets glisten and shimmer, creating a magical atmosphere.
Autumn is here, a time when it often rain, which might just be my new learning topic: capturing rain. I could explore different locations, experimenting with angles and compositions, and perhaps even play with long exposure shots to capture the movement of raindrops dancing on surfaces. This could turn into a creative project, forcing me to engage with the elements and see the beauty in the mundane, although I often doubt whether I will follow through. Probably not, but maybe it should be.
Thanks for this challenge Ann-Christine, I am so into this style of photography.
She wrote in her post: Atmospheric is the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation. It might be the mood of the mist, the collusion of clouds, or just a stunning structure. Ambience is another word for atmosphere in the sense of the mood a place or setting has.
Ominous sky in Oulu
I think that is what I can bring to the photo as a photographer: mood. There are so many wonderful places that I might never travel to, so making some everyday place interesting by capturing a mood to the scene is what I can bring to the table. I believe that every location holds a unique story waiting to be told, and as a photographer, it is my job to unveil that narrative. By paying close attention to the subtle details and the interplay of light and shadow, I can evoke emotions that resonate with me and hopefully with the viewer.
PInk and purple Sunset
I think weather and season is a great mood setter; whether it’s the soft glow of golden hour sun or the dramatic contrast of stormy skies, every atmospheric condition brings its own character to a photograph. I just need to capture it and show it how I saw it, allowing others to step into that moment and feel the same connection I felt behind the lens. This ability to encapsulate fleeting emotions and environments is, I believe, what transforms a simple image into an impactful work of art.
Summer mood captured
Light house in Oulu set against the dark sky
Shadows and lighting sets a mood in street photography and in interior shots, playing with light you can transform the photo into a visual narrative.
The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the scene. In street photography, the dramatic contrasts can highlight the energy and life of urban environments, while in interior shots, soft lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. By experimenting with different angles and intensities of light, you can discover unique perspectives that enhance the images.
These interior shots are from the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral
Street Photography can give you lots of opportunities for catching a mood
I want to thank Patti for making us see beauty everywhere – and somehow I feel this Ann-Christine’s challenge is a natural way to follow up to it. Next week Sofia is presenting the next challenge, be sure to check it out and join us.
I have played this game with time more than amount of things, I had hoped to be more active, but time is the problem. This is to say, thanks for hosting 🥰
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 